Arizona Road Trip Itinerary Bucket List
Are you hunting for an excellent Arizona road trip itinerary? You’ve arrived at the right destination! On this Arizona road trip Itinerary, you will experience one of the prettiest states in the whole USA!
I have completed this Arizona road trip as a single person; however, if you explore on your own or with a group of people, you will never forget this itinerary. Although my article demonstrates an Arizona 5-day itinerary, you could reduce it or extend it according to your time to experience this prettiest state!
I will share my suggested 5-day Arizona road trip itinerary, and then I will share the best tips and tricks for planning a great vacation in Arizona.
The Ultimate 5 Day Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
Start Your Arizona Road Trip By Flying Into Las Vegas
Start your Arizona road trip by flying into Las Vegas because it is centrally situated to all the places you plan to visit. Phoenix is regularly a lot more expensive to fly into, and Las Vegas, although not in Arizona, has lots of affordable flights from anywhere in the world.
Las Vegas is the best starting point for your itinerary. If you pick to fly into Phoenix, you can still finish this itinerary, but you have to do it in reverse order.
Day 1: Start Your Arizona Road Trip By Driving From Las Vegas to Flagstaff
Highlights: Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Flagstaff Mountains
I always suggest flying into Las Vegas because all kinds of affordable flights fly into the world-renowned city. Make sure to catch an early flight into Las Vegas because it gives time for exploring.
This is the simple and affordable way to make Las Vegas the starting point for your Arizona road trip itinerary. Immediately, pick up your rental car, take a rapid drive down the Las Vegas Strip, and plug in “Flagstaff” into your GPS.
Arriving in Las Vegas early in the morning is the best way to experience the city without the traffic.
Stop 1: The Hoover Dam
When you are on your way from Las Vegas to Flagstaff, I strongly suggest stopping off and looking at the popular Hoover Dam! This Dam expands both Nevada and Arizona, so it is the gateway to your itinerary anyway!
The drive from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam takes nearly one Hour, so it’s a simple and fun stop. Build this time into your drive so you can make allowances for the stop later on in the day.
Once you reach it, you can drive over the dam or park and get out and walk around. Parking price is about $10. There is an option to take a dam tour for an extra cost, but walking on the dam was fun too!
If you are visiting Arizona during the summer, I strongly recommend drinking sufficient water and wearing caps and sunscreen when stopping at the Hoover Dam. It’s located right in the center of the desert, and you have a chance of getting heatstroke if you don’t follow the right things.
Stop 2: Flagstaff
You will finish your first day of your Arizona itinerary in Flagstaff. The drive from Las Vegas to Flagstaff is a lot of fun because of the altitude difference! Flagstaff is high in the mountains and is surrounded by charming trees and refreshing air.
It’s a charming and bustling city with enormous restaurants and bars. It takes nearly 4 hours if you drive to Flagstaff directly from Las Vegas without taking any breaks.
When I tell you that Flagstaff is home to some of the finest Airbnbs in Arizona, I’m not joking! There are plenty of lovely and affordable options!
Flagstaff is the best place to put on your itinerary because it gives you a respite from the heat of the state and offers different views nearer to other attractions.
You will fly into Las Vegas, perhaps explore Vegas and the Hoover Dam, and then drive almost four hours; that’s why we suggest taking a relaxing day once you arrive in Flagstaff.
Day 2: Drive The Loop From Flagstaff To The Grand Canyon
Highlights: Multiple stopping points to see the Grand Canyon
Day two of your itinerary will concentrate on the Grand Canyon. Looking at the Grand Canyon is a Key part of any Arizona vacation itinerary.
You will generally drive in a mega loop from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, and then back to Flagstaff for another night.
Actually, that the whole drive is a big loop is amazing because you don’t have to revert! Depending on the time you visit, I recommend arriving later in the day so you can reach the last stop of the Grand Canyon in time for sunset.
If you are interested in spending more time, I strongly recommend leaving earlier and making the most of your time. You can change this part of the itinerary as you see fit.
It is entirely possible to take in the Grand Canyon and appreciate it in just a short time. This is what you are going to make happen on this Itinerary.
If you have more time, go quickly for family fun like Whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon, hiking, tours, and more!
This is one of the highlights of my Arizona itinerary. I am sure you will be amazed too!
My suggestions below are my preferred stops along the Grand Canyon drive are finished in clockwise order, thinking that you are arriving close to where the Visitor Center is situated along the main entrance to the Grand Canyon.
My Favorite Grand Canyon Stops:
Yaki Point was busy because it is the front stop in Grand Canyon National Park, and because it is close to the Visitor Center, it is worth a visit. When you get to the National Park, the best thing you see is the Grand Canyon.
Grandview Point is also a fun stop along your Arizona road trip. There are some little walking paths you can take that go under the seeing rail. These are relatively safe if you are cautious, and you can spend a fine hour exploring just these trails. Be prepared to hold onto small children as these trails do run along the edge of the cliff, and there are steep inclines just to the side.
Moran Point is one of my preferred viewpoints and serves amazing views of the Grand Canyon. There is a railing and a barricade you can go along for different views.
Lipan Point is nice, but in contrast to the above. I breezed by it quickly and didn’t get any photos.
Navajo Point was one of my favorites. There were plenty of mini hiking trails around this point. The hikes are an amazing way to explore, and be cautious. They provide great views, and this is a fabulous stop for photography.
Desert View is the last stop, and since this is the eastern-most point, you can notice beautiful views all up and down the Canyon. You can see the grasslands on the north side. The complexity of the Canyon contrasted nicely with the barren prairie.
Desert View was pretty at sunset! There is even a watchtower at this place, which kids tend to love, so if you are doing your vacation as a family, this stop is a must! It is one of the best stops on any Southwest USA road trip Itinerary!
Day 3: Head From Flagstaff To Sedona
Highlights: Oak Creek Canyon, Slide Rock State Park, Sedona
On the third day, the drive from Flagstaff to Sedona takes less than an hour, so you go from one scenic place to the next! Along the way, there are several stops that you can see!
Drive Through Oak Creek Canyon
First, you will arrive at Oak Creek Canyon. This spectacular canyon was carved by the river that runs through it for countless years. It is a scenic place to stop for a picnic.
Explore Slide Rock State Park
When you come to the end of Oak Creek Canyon, on your right, you will notice Slide Rock State Park.
If you are finishing this 5-day Arizona road trip during the winter season, then you can skip this part! But if you are visiting during the summer, I strongly recommend stopping and putting on your swimsuit, and jumping in.
If you visit on the weekend during the summer, this place will be jam-packed with everyone alike enjoying the fun rock slides and natural pools, and waterfalls.
Keep It Simple In Sedona
I suggest keeping it simple and hiking to a view of Cathedral Rock and feeling the power of some of Sedona’s vortexes. These hikes are like walks and will be the best way to get into the Sedona spirit!
Many people try to drive from Sedona to the Grand Canyon, but it is much better to stay in Flagstaff for that and explore all Sedona has to offer on its own!
My Arizona road trip itinerary has involved a lot of driving and also days with less driving for rest.
If you are braver, you can even go camping in Sedona! On your first day in Sedona, take a walk to Cathedral Rock and get settled into your accommodation so you can get ready for the next day!
Day 4: Explore All That Sedona Has To Offer
On the fourth day of your itinerary, you will spend time hanging out in Sedona and hiking! On your car drive, you will observe breathtaking views at every turn!
This is one of my best days on the Arizona road trip itinerary because it lets you relax and take in the view
Visit The Church of the Holy Cross
The Church of the Holy Cross is situated a few miles outside the city center of Sedona, overlooking the stunning Sedona countryside. One time, I visited The Church of the Holy Cross on a bright and sunny winter day. Another time, I visited during a lightning storm in the summer.
The lightning was off in the distance, and you could see it from inside the church. We highly recommend checking out this church as it offers a stunning and easily accessible viewpoint of this region.
Day 5: Conclude Your Arizona Road Trip By Driving From Sedona To Las Vegas
Highlights: Arrive back in Las Vegas, stop at anything you missed along the way
A lot of airlines fly red-eye flights late at night from Las Vegas, so leaving Sedona in the morning and getting back to the airport in the afternoon isn’t a problem at all! Keep your eye out for beautiful stops along the way and don’t forget to pick someplace local place for lunch!
If you have an extra day, you can spend the night in Las Vegas and fly out in the morning so you can end your Arizona Road Trip with a little relaxation.